by Thomas Davis
the journey of the elephants
One day in early June
Shook trees and shook the peaceful ground
And even shook the moon!
Then, with a movement huge and slow,
The herd began to run,
And thunder pealed amidst the hills
So loud it shook the sun!
Note: This was the first children’s poem I wrote. We were going to college in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and Sonja loved to ride on my back and call me her elephant herd. Mary had just been born and was in her crib while her older sister and I played in our small living room, and so this small poem was born.
fourwindowspress 
I like it, and the personal touch makes it even more special.
And so, Thomas, you wisely learned wise family habits from the elephants–and passed them on to your children!
Oh, I like this–how cute that she would call you her “elephant herd” (rather than horsey, as kids typically do). God bless y’all today.
Lovely poem. So sweet. Reminds me of this story that just appeared recently:
http://www.beliefnet.com/Inspiration/Home-Page-News-and-Views/Wild-Elephants-Mourn-Death-of-famed-Elephant-Whisperer.aspx
Elephants are truly amazing creatures.
What an absolutely amazing story you introduced Ethel and I too, Scriptor Obscura. Amazing!
Thank you, Scriptor, for introducing us to Anthony the Elephant Whisperer. We have much to learn, as humans, from elephants & all the animals, plants, too…
Scriptor, thank you for me also. This story brought tears to my eyes, for what I know is the truth. All life-beings are interconnected and capable of communication – and “knowing”. This is a wonderful, moving, article.
I echo the thank yous, Scriptor. What a touching, disturbing, but ultimately magnificient story which I have shared further.
Great thoughts and poem!
Made me smile, Thomas – I bet your children loved this. And I bet they giggled when the herd was so loud it even “shook the sun”!
I am a long way past being a child.
But this poem made me smile just the same 🙂
David
Lovely poem. I love the ‘bigness’ of children’s poetry and the images it creates; there is something so wonderfully innocent and honest in it – which you have captured beautifully here.
“and so this small poem was born”
… and still lives.
Ahhh, Ben Naga, if only Methuselah would have been so wise.
Precious children’s poem but a fine nature ditty for grown ups, as well…
Very sweet Thomas! I love the story behind it’s creation too. 🙂
This is such a precious piece, Thomas! I love that they shook the moon and the sun!
Thomas, I find this poem playful, fun and very sensitive to the power one feels inside when such gigantic and majestic creatures begin to run. And then include the sun and the moon alongside this rising is also very symbolic and resonant of the power in the elephant, the symbolism, the wisdom. Beautiful.
Great Thomas – I really like this.